A review by teeclecticreads
Gamer Girls: Out of Control by Andrea Towers

adventurous emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I think a lot of you are sleeping on these middle grade reads!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book is about Lucy, who recently moved to a new town and is trying to navigate having new friendships while missing her old ones. Even though it was handled in a way that a middle grade audience would more relate to, I think that no matter what age you are, friendships can be difficult and there’s something to be learned from this.

My favourite thing is that the book is PACKED with representation!! Lucy’s cousin Jordan has Celiac disease and is also gay. Nat’s sister Dylan is in a relationship with a non-binary person. Jordan’s mom is a lesbian and so are other characters in the book. And I secretly think Lucy may be on the Aro spectrum based on her emphasis on not liking anyone or ever having a crush.

I think this is such a great book for kids who feel different to read. They can see that whatever they feel or experience isn’t strange. Some of us love other people than society expects. Some of us can’t have gluten (me included 😂 though I don’t have celiac) and that’s okay! There’s also a couple of really nice drawings sprinkled throughout. It’s definitely worth a read.